Places to Visit: Calgary AB

Glacier National Park
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Calgary AB

Calgary, AB, Canada is the largest city in the Province of Alberta, in the foothills and grassland region with rivers running, making it an excellent side-trip from Glacier National Park.

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  • Calgary, AB makes an excellent side-trip from Glacier National Park
  • Only about 4.5 hours from West Glacier, Montana
  • Hike or bike the trail systems around Calgary
  • Fly-fish the Bow River
  • Visit the Calgary Tower for some amazing views from the Observation Deck

Overview

Calgary, Canada is a dynamic and attractive city on the banks of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, with the majestic Rockies nearby. The rising skyline promises adventures and plenty of family activities in and around this exciting city.

Location

Calgary is located north of Glacier National Park on Highway 2 in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

Services/Amenities

You have a wide array of restaurants to choose from in Calgary, with fine dining establishments, cafes, bistros and much more. Find the cuisine that makes your mouth water, whether it’s French, Chinese, Indian or Italian. Why settle for the ordinary? You can discover some exciting and exotic tastes and treats in Calgary.

Discover plenty of accommodations to fit your budget and needs. Economy rooms, traditional chain motels and hotels, luxurious suites; the choice is yours!

Activities

  • Hiking
    There are numerous hiking trails throughout the Calgary area. Try the Twelve-Mile Coulee Trail through a wild area in the neighborhood of Tuscany Park. The Nose Hill Berkley Gate Trail takes you across grasslands, with some incredible views. You’ll find a paved trail in Bowmont Park.
  • Fly-fishing
    Summertime is a great time for anglers to fish the Bow River.
  • Biking
    The path systems linking the city’s parks are popular for biking as well as rollerblading and walking.
  • Golfing
    With the large number of courses in Calgary, golfing has become extremely popular here, and you will have some wonderful scenery to make the game that much more thrilling.
  • Winter Sports
    Winters in Calgary make this a well-known destination for all manner of winter sports, like cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding and more.

Attractions

  • Pengrowth Saddledome
    The NHL’s Calgary Flames make their home at Pengrowth Saddledome, and you can also take in some marvelous events and concerts here, too.
  • Heritage Park Historical Village
    Tour this famous attraction on the west side of the city to see how life was in the pre-1914 era, and see working historic vehicles like a steam train, electric streetcar and a paddlewheel boat.
  • The Calgary Stampede
    A parade and world-class rodeo undoubtedly holds many happy moments for the whole family, and over a million visitors come to experience this event each year.
  • Glenbow Museum
    Witness many exhibits and collections at the Glenbow Museum, with numerous artifacts from around the world. Here our cultural and western heritage is preserved.
  • Calgary Tower
    At the 626- foot Calgary Tower, you can experience what it’s like to be suspended in mid-air by going to the Observation Deck and standing on the glass floor. Amazing views of the city await you and will take your breath away.
  • Eau Claire Market
    Eau Claire Market is a unique shopping area close to Prince’s Island Park. Art galleries and one-of-a-kind shops line the streets, with plenty of good food, coffee shops and entertainment venues to serve you.

Getting Here

To reach Glacier National Park from Calgary, AB, simply get on Highway 2 south to US 89 west right to Glacier. It’s a scenic drive and takes about four and a half hours to reach the west side of the park.